Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Another attempt today to reach Il Cansiglio from Mezzomonte. On my last try, I turned south too soon and arrived at Malga di Coda del Bosco instead. Today I rode from Polcenigo up to Col delle Palse (1366m) and turned left toward Il Cansiglio. I continued on the gravel road along the ridge until 1181 meters where I turned right onto the road for Candaglia/Il Cansiglio. This turns to a concrete surface and climbs up to 1289 meters near Col dei S'cios, where you turn right onto a gravel forest road marked Candaglia. You leave behind the grassy bald area and enter a lush dense forest of beech and spruce trees.This beautiful road continues to the border of Veneto and an old survey marker from the days when Veneto first became part of Italy. Soon you arrive at the casa forestale (1268m) on Monte Candaglia, with great panoramas of the Dolomiti Bellunese, Monte Pizzoc, and the expansive grassy meadows of Piancansiglio. After a brief descent on the paved road, I took the bumpy gravel road marked variously Val Bona, Col di Piave, and later Pian di Landro. This road passes through densely forested wilderness for miles before finally leveling out, crossing Pian di Landro and arriving in the big meadowy expanse of Val Menera. Here cows were grazing under the sun, which was a welcome sight because I had gotten so cold on the long, slow shady descent I was shivering, despite wearing a wind jacket.Soon you arrive at the main road and Pian Osteria. From here it's an easy ride across Piancansiglio, up through the woods to La Crosetta, and down the mountain to Sarone. Legs felt a little fried on the rolling hills of Via Pedemontane, but before long I was home. This is a great ride and I'd love to try some of the many variations soon.